President Joe Biden is urging Congress to act quickly and provide additional funding in response to the urgent needs created by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The Fiscal Times reported that President Biden is concerned about the fast depletion of disaster relief funds and the spread of misinformation related to the federal government's efforts.
Biden and his administration emphasize the critical need for Congress to allocate more resources for hurricane disaster relief.
Biden has been actively communicating with Republican lawmakers to secure more funds, but he has yet to speak directly with House Speaker Mike Johnson.
The pressing issue of funding comes as Isabel Casillas Guzman, the head of the Small Business Administration, pointed out that the funds available for disaster programs are almost exhausted.
The devastating impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton has stretched resources thin, underscoring the need for immediate replenishment to support rebuilding efforts.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had been allocated $20 billion in disaster funding for the fiscal year starting October 1. However, half of this amount has already been utilized, partly due to $8 billion directed toward recovery projects that were previously set in motion.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is monitoring the expenditure closely, acknowledging the ongoing hurricane season's demands.
She stated the importance of daily discussions about the drawdown on the Disaster Relief Fund amidst the volatile weather patterns.
Biden has expressed frustration over the "disgusting" and "dangerous" misinformation about the federal response to the storms. He reiterated that all necessary resources are being provided and criticized those spreading falsehoods as undermining efforts.
In his attempt to rally legislative backing, Biden remarked, "We're going to be going to the Congress. We’re going to need a lot of help."
He emphasized the need for comprehensive support as the situation has become increasingly dire with the onset of successive storms.
The president has also voiced expectations for Speaker Johnson's cooperation, suggesting that there is a significant opportunity for leadership, especially concerning small businesses impacted by the storms. He expressed confidence that Johnson would receive the message about the urgency of stepping up these efforts.
Guzman echoed the urgency, stating that the Small Business Administration has been transparent about the need to refresh its disaster program funding to sustain relief efforts throughout the hurricane season.
The devastation from Helene across six states, followed by Milton, has placed additional strain on resources meant to facilitate community rebuilding.
The rapid spending of FEMA's allocated disaster funds highlights the financial strain resulting from ongoing natural disasters. With $10 billion out of the $20 billion quickly utilized, the federal apparatus is under pressure to ensure continued support for affected areas.
Criswell acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the situation, stressing the importance of meticulous budget oversight. The remaining funds need to be managed prudently to address both current and anticipated needs as the hurricane season progresses.
Biden continued to address the misinformation surrounding the federal response, criticizing those responsible for disseminating false information. By clarifying the administration's stance, he aims to correct misconceptions and reinforce the message that the government is meeting its obligations.
The president's call for Congress to act underscores the challenges in securing legislative agreement for necessary disaster aid. The urgency of the situation is highlighted by ongoing consultations with lawmakers to facilitate additional allocations.
While Biden has been reaching out to Republicans, the lack of direct communication with Speaker Johnson points to potential obstacles in coordinating support across the aisle. The focus remains on ensuring that adequate resources are available to meet immediate and long-term recovery needs.
As hurricane recovery efforts continue, the administration's push for additional funding reflects a broader commitment to address the complexities of disaster relief.
Biden insists that as more is understood about the devastation's scope, the government will be better equipped to quantify and address the required resources.
The coming weeks will likely reveal further efforts to bridge the gap between urgent needs and available funding, with federal and legislative leaders playing key roles in addressing the challenges posed by consecutive natural disasters.
